Open minded

The problem with having an open mind is that people fill it with junk.
Anon

I think of my blog as a pretty magazine or a picture book. I don't really expect anybody to read the words.  I'm afraid that I don't scrupulously read other blogs. I skim and look at the pictures and maybe follow some links. So let me start this post with a picture by Harold Mockford, whose paintings, I adore.

I am a reader though. I read a lot! I just don't really like to stare at a computer screen to do it.
I like to snuggle with books. I like to be horizontal when I read. Blankets aren't a necessity; pillows are (except in the bath, where they would just get soggy).

I have just finished reading Julie and Julia.

Some of you may know this little gem, as it's a blog book. That is a book that came out of a blog.
Last year I raved about I'm Not the New Me, also a blog book.
I love this genre of memoir writing. I'd rather hear about someone like me with faulty kitchen plumbing than a celebrity or 'extraordinary' person any day.
I look on other peoples blogs to see what they're reading and sometimes give it a whirl. I found David Sedaris' books this way (he's not known much in the UK). And blogs have also introduced me to my current fairy tale habit.

I'm reading two collections of fairy tales at the moment: Angela Carter's Book of Fairy Tales and Snow White and Blood Red .

Do you read the side blog lists of books on other peoples blogs? Has this ever led you to read things you might not have otherwise? Do you have a side blog of books and do you rate books?
I would like to have a gallery where I could keep all the books I've read over a year and rate them. Does anyone do this?

Comments

[jenclair]

I've kept lists of my reading for years (now even have a book blog), but I have a hard time rating them, as some people do, on a 10 point scale. I go into spasms at the idea of having make minute determinations... I guess there are about 4 categories for me: Loved it, Liked it, Not Great, Hated It. And, of course, every evaluation of a book is terribly subjective, so my "Hated It" may by your "Loved It."

[shelley Noble]

Yes! I find my daily blog reads very influential and edifying. While not a reading book, I found Second Time Cool on your blog, bought it, loved it, made new things. I copy many of your art ideas and/or am creatively stimulated by them. And your words are hilariously funny. I guess you're just a multi-gifted individual.

[fiberchick]

Thanks for the post... I almost mailed you Julie & Julia. In fact you would have received it in January had the package not taken a leisurely tour of Ontario in the back of Mark's car (never ask him to mail a thing!)... I often find good book suggestions at my favourite blogs. Its more failsafe than conventional book reviews. If someones writing is entertaining then their taste in reading is often compatible. Yeah for Second Time Cool...

[anon]

i use http://www.librarything.com for this. :)

[juju]

Oh no! I've now become completely addicted to librarything.com

[joanne S]

I've read books that have been mentioned in blogs--and for some reason I've liked them. the latest Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I read JuJu because you are always saying and doing something interesting that gets me interested in doing it also. Like the weather paintings.

[shanna]

really wanting to read j&j, after gilead i think i will pick it up!

[Fran]

I thought Julie and Julia was great - especially enjoyed her antics with the lobster (we call them crayfish in Australia). Angela Carter is such a dark, brilliant storyteller, too. Great picks.

[Sarah]

Hi,

I'm in the process of reading Julie and Julia at the moment. I got that recommendation from a blog, so yes I suppose I do take notice! I tend to buy most new books from Amazon and I do like to rate them when I'm finished with them, but as to a proper list.... no... I read lots at least 2 a week and I wouldn't have time to sew and garden and the hundred and one other things you want and have to do.... but if I was to win the lottery and could give up work...... I suspect I might.... does this make me sad and wierd... (not that I really mind)....

[Sylvie]

I have lists of books on both sidebars of my blog. I don't update it as often as I tear through books. And I don't rate them. I always figure that the act of listing them means that they rate worthy of sharing.
Speaking of reading the text in posts...a fellow blogger noted that the size of the type in yours makes it difficult to read, ie. too small and not enough space between the lines, so she gave up reading them. Thought you'd appreciate the feedback.